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Midbrain

Definition

The midbrain (mesencephalon) consists of the tectum, tegmentum, substantia nigra, red nucleus, inferior and superior colliculi and the cerebral aqueduct. It is the part of the brain that regulates eye movement, sleep, arousal and relays sensory and motor information to other brain areas.

Neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are highly heterogeneous and project to a range of different brain regions. Morales and Margolis summarize recent efforts to characterise VTA neurons, dissect their circuitry and understand their roles in motivation- and reward-related behaviours.